Takapuna AFC
Takapuna is an amateur football club based in Takapuna, New Zealand. They compete in the Lotto Sport Italia NRFL Division 1.
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| Full name | Takapuna Association Football Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Taka | |
| Founded | 1964 | |
| Ground | Taharoto Park, Takapuna | |
| Chairman | Glyn Taylor | |
| League | NRFL Division 1 | |
| 2019 | NRFL Division 1, 7th | |
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History
The club was founded as Takapuna City AFC in 1964 by Mr and Mrs Don Quinnell as a junior club, with the first senior men's teams being added in 1967. By 1971 they were playing in the Northern league first division, a competition which they won at their first attempt. They entered the New Zealand National Soccer League for the first time in 1980, and reached the Chatham Cup Semi-finals the same year, their best ever result.
At the beginning of the 2020/21 season, managerial powerhouse Greg Dell, arriving in New Zealand after an illustrious spell as head coach of Anchor FC, took charge of Takapuna's 3rd team. Dell's reputation for progressive football, blueprinted on direct play, quickly caught the imagination of the local support. It didn't take Dell long to stamp his authority on the side. After a brief period at loggerheads with local favourite Brad, Dell ousted him from the Takapuna family in typically clinical fashion. Dell continued to forge on, infusing a squad mixed with Latin flair and the best in local talent. Results however were far from favourable, and a lack of harmony amongst the squad culminated in swift departure after a dozen or so games. Dell cited personal reasons as the justification behind his resignation, yet sources from within the club claim that they wanted a return to Brad's less combative, more committed nature. Dell leaves having built the foundations for future success at Takapuna 3rds.
